? Box score
NATCHITOCHES, La. ? Northwestern State held UTSA to a .009 hitting percentage, while swinging at a .216 clip and it sent the Roadrunners to their third loss in a row with a 30-19, 30-19, 30-24 sweep on Friday night. It was just the third time in 29 all-time meetings that the Lady Demons were victorious against UTSA.
Northwestern State (7-11, 3-6 SLC) broke open a close first frame when it went on a 15-6 run to close out game one. The Lady Demons then led from start to finish to post an 11-point game two triumph. UTSA (9-16, 1-7 SLC) started the third frame strong, holding leads of 6-1 and 12-6, but Northwestern State took its first advantage at 19-18 and scored 11 of the final 17 points to complete the sweep.
Sophomore outside hitter Briana Mason led the Roadrunners with eight kills and junior setter Rebecca Hrapmann, a Louisiana native, handed out 24 assists. Junior libero Audrey Hiser paced the defensive effort with a team-best 12 digs.
Outside hitter Markie Robichau had a match-high 14 winners (.400 pct.) and added a pair of block solos for Northwestern State, while setter Megan Dockery added a match-best 37 helpers and three of the Lady Demons' eight service aces.
UTSA concludes its two-match road trip on Sunday when it plays Central Arkansas (20-6, 6-3). First serve is scheduled for noon at the Prince Center.
Live blog
8:27 p.m.
Obviously, the slow Internet connection did not improve. Northwestern State rallies to complete the sweep, handing UTSA a 30-24 setback in game three. Thanks to all of you who battled the technical difficulties and slow modem to follow tonight's match. I can assure things will go much smoother on Sunday at Central Arkansas. The Roadrunners drop their third match in a row to fall to 9-16 overall and 1-7 in league play, while Northwestern State improves to 7-11 and 3-6. Good night from Prather Coliseum where your final score was 30-19, 30-19, 30-24.
8:10 p.m.
Interesting side note on tonight's playing surface. It is the first time in my two years that the Roadrunners have played on a sport court. Not sure if that contributed to the slow start, but it definitely is much different than playing on wood. Groff forced to use first timeout after Northwestern State draws within two at 15-13.
8:07 p.m.
The switch to junior Dani Nickle at libero is really paying off this stanza. Nickle is playing the back row extremely well and is a major reason why the Roadrunners have come out strong in the game. Huge kill by Prior and an attack error by NSU gives UTSA a six-point advantage at 14-8.
8:04 p.m.
Northwestern State responds with three points in a row to get within two (6-4), but UTSA is unfazed, as it comes back with four in a row to take a 10-4 lead. Brittany Uffelman is forced to take her first timeout early in the frame.
8:01 p.m.
Great start to game three for UTSA, as it jumps out to 6-1 lead. The Roadrunners definitely are playing more inspired volleyball. You really have to hand it to Laura Groff's players. Let's see if it can translate to three wins in a row.
7:55 p.m.
Slow Internet connection making things extremely difficult, but I will continue
to forge on. The Roadrunners outscore Northwestern State over the final nine points, but it is too little, too late, as the Lady Demons win game two, 30-19. It will be an uphill battle if UTSA is to end its two-match losing streak tonight.
7:50 p.m.
UTSA scores consecutive points to pull within four
(16-12), but Lady Demons go on 10-2 run to extend lead to 12 at 26-14.
7:42 p.m.
The Roadrunners 4-1 run to pull within one at 10-9, but Northwestern State responds with 6-1 streak to extend advantage to 16-10.
7:38 p.m.
Northwestern State continues to swing it well and hold the UTSA offense at bay. The Lady Demons have a 9-6 lead to open the second stanza.
7:30 p.m.
The Lady Demons go on a game-ending 11-5 run and close out the first frame with a 30-19 victory. UTSA registers a (-.111) hitting percentage, while Northwestern State swings it at a .273 clip. Rogers leads Roadrunners with three kills in game one and Hiser collects match-high six digs.
7:22 p.m.
Northwestern State holding UTSA to a .043 hitting percentage thus far (7 kills, 6 errors, 23 attacks), while hitting .304 (10 kills, 3 errors, 2 attacks).
7:20 p.m.
The Lady Demons take their largest lead of the evening at 19-14 and Laura Groff uses her first timeout.
7:15 p.m.
Great back-and-forth action thus far with the largest lead being two points by UTSA (7-5). Northwestern State has responded with a 5-0 run to take a 14-11 advantage.
7:07 p.m.
UTSA won the pregame coin flip and will serve first tonight. Hiser does the honors and Prior puts UTSA in front after a perfect set from White.
7:05 p.m.
Tonight's starters: Rebecca Hrapmann, Briana Mason, Jordan White, Victoria Prior, Kendra Rowland, Valorie Rogers and Audrey Hiser for UTSA and Megan Dockery, Markie Robichau, Yelena Enwere, Janel Fisher-Thurston, Talita Santos, Arianne Damasio and Meagan Manning.
6:50 p.m.
Due to technical difficulties at Prather Coliseum, tonight's audio broadcast is unavailable. In its place, goUTSA.com introduces its first-ever live blog. Follow all the action right here. The teams are warming up right now. Check back in about 10 minutes for tonight's starting lineups.